A letter from May 19, 2025

Dear Future me, Whenever I write these letters, I usually focus on what I want for you, how I think life should look. I try to plan, to give advice, to set expectations. But if I’m honest, that might not be the most helpful thing. Why should you be bound by the hopes or fears of a past version of yourself? You’re living through things I can’t predict. So this time, I won’t try to guide you—I just want to offer you a little encouragement. I know birthdays have always felt complicated. You’re 21 now. That’s wild to think about. You can finally do all the things you’ve been waiting to do. Like walk into a dispensary without second-guessing or head to RamBand without that weird edge of hesitation. Right now, it feels like 21 is always just out of reach. But here you are. Here’s something actually important though: you’re a great writer. Not perfect (thankfully, no one is), but truly great. What sets you apart is your willingness to reflect, to learn, to keep going even when the words don’t come easy. You write because you love it. That kind of love is rare. So stop being so modest. You've held your position for nearly two years—you’ve worked hard, and it shows. Let yourself be proud. You’re also just… good to be around. Funny, thoughtful, full of warmth. Sure, you get eye rolls when you joke around, but people laugh. And deep down, you always try to see the good in others. That’s a gift. Just don’t forget to turn that kindness inward too. 19 was nothing like I expected—it was probably the hardest year of my life. But I came through it stronger. And 20? I know it’ll have its own twists and turns. The same goes for you. Isn’t that exciting? You’ve just stepped into a whole new phase of your life. There’s no roadmap now—no way to fully anticipate what’s coming. And as terrifying as that can feel, isn’t it kind of liberating, too? You’re not bound to anything. You’re not stuck in a version of life someone else designed. You get to build it moment by moment, one unknown at a time. So if I ask anything of you, it’s this: be open to the unexpected. Let go of the need for everything to make sense right away. Stop trying to fit your life into neat little boxes or timelines. There’s beauty in the mess, growth in the uncertainty, and peace in accepting that you won’t always know what’s next. You're gonna be a dumb kid for a little while longer. Learn to live in the grey areas: the in-betweens, the almosts, the things that don’t have easy answers. That’s where real life happens. That’s where you grow. And for the love of all that is good: put the **** phone down once in a while. Seriously. Look around. Be present. Let yourself be bored, or still, or fully immersed in whatever moment you’re in. Let your brain wander. Let your heart feel. Slowly listen to the rise and fall of your chest, pumping slowly. That's you. You're ALIVE, so go live. With love.